Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) 1997 clutch problems

[RBanting]

Request advice; clutch is acting up, as synchro is harder to engage (resistance) on my 5 spd 140,000 mi trans; mechanic suggested changing oil although manual says there is never a need to change oil. No alterations other than fuel plate (#11 - 280Hp), but backed off to stock; always babied the clutch and trany. I run empty mostly and don't tow anything of significance. I always start out in 1st so I can't imagine the clutch sees all that much wear. Any ideas anyone?

Bob

 

[Dave M]

I'd change the fluid but don't use anything but what the dealer sells or Castrol Syntorq. I replaced my clutch in Dec and NAPA said OK to use Valvoline Syn fluid which I did. BIG MISTAKE. I noticed it was getting hard to slip into gears and someone told me drain the fluid and put in the correct fluid.



Turns out our 5spd wants a lower phosphrous content than others and the Valoline was eating up the synchros. I had 500 miles on it so I drained and replaced with Castrol Syntorq from Quad4x4.



If you change fluid be carefull what you put in there. Has anyone changed your transmission fluid recently... maybe they screwed up like I did?



Fluid is eay to change. If thats not IT. You could need a new clutch or master/slave hydraulic setuP. I got both from SBC.

 

[RBanting]

Thanks Dave; mechanic suggested ATF, I'll request Castrol syn, and see what happens.

 

[Dave M]

Thanks Dave; mechanic suggested ATF, I'll request Castrol syn, and see what happens.

There are 2 types Castrol that sound alike make sure it is Castrol SYNTORQUE (not Castrol Syntek). Its hard to find this type fluid so request they get it from the dealer (about $25 a quart) or www.quad4x4.co who sells it in 1/2 gal jugs for $30. I could find NOBODY else that carries it... period. Scroll down the page and you will find it. Its a little cheaper than dealer. I saved about $25 a gallon after shipping. I used 1 gallon and it filled it but specs call for 5 quarts for the heavy duty trany (which is probably what you have and me too but 4 quarts worked for me).



NV4500 Parts



Read this info on the 4500 trany oil to use:



Ram NV4500 Specifications



Dave

 

[Bob V]

I had good luck with Amsoil in my 97 (200,000+ miles) and I am NOT a amsoil dealer, or a huge fan. As far as the hard to shift you most likely have a pilot bearing going (gone) out

 

[Dr.Bob]

RP fixed mine.

 

[RBanting]

Dave,

Finally changed the trany oil to castrol syntorq (actually what mopar uses) and all is very smooth. The synchro works again - thanks for the tip.

Bob

 

[Dave M]

Dave,

Finally changed the trany oil to castrol syntorq (actually what mopar uses) and all is very smooth. The synchro works again - thanks for the tip.

Bob

I'm glad the correct fixed your problem. Most mechanics may not be aware that there are limited transmission fluids that will work for our 5spds. I found out the hard way.



I would not let anyone (except dealer) replace that fluid unless I was there watching what they put in.



Dave